NEW INITIATIVES FOR ARTISANS AND HANDLOOMWEAVERS
OF GUJARAT
The Ministry of
Textiles and the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), Ahmedabad
today signed here a joint initiative for development of artisans,
handloom weavers and textile workers of Gujarat. This initiative
has been envisaged in the context of the potential opportunities
that lie before the handicrafts, handloom and textile sectors
in the face of globalization. These sectors together account for
40% of India’s exports, as per a recent study by IIFT. Through
this initiative, SEWA and the Ministry of Textiles aim to create
increased employment opportunities and a better quality of life
for the artisans, handloom weavers and textile workers by providing
enhanced market access, convergence of resources, revival and
upgradation of skills and technologies inputs and infrastructural
support. These interventions will enable the artisans and workers
to become competitive and enter the mainstream global markets.
The initiatives will
be supported through the resources and development and welfare
schemes being implemented by the Development Commissioner (Handlooms)
and the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts). These offices
will facilitate policy interventions, linkages with national and
international sources for design and technology. It is also proposed
to set up raw material and product testing facilities, to improve
quality. NIFT will provide consultancy on diagnostic studies,
technical support, design intervention, product development, skill
upgradation and research. NIFT will also facilitate the participation
of young talent from the Institute in areas of design, technology
and management.
The initiative will
draw upon the organizational strengths of SEWA which is already
working in this field. SEWA will be instrumental in identifying
the artisans, handloom and textile workers, organizing these workers,
setting up production and training centers, and in providing market
and other support services.
Speaking on the occasion
Secretary, Ministry of Textiles Shri S.B. Mohapatra emphasized
that the joint initiative will provide effective convergence of
various development schemes being implemented by the Centre in
this sector.
The signatories to
the news initiative are Shri S.B. Mohapatra, Secretary, Textiles,
Smt. Kasturi Gupta Menon, Development Commissioner (Handlooms),
Smt. Tinoo Joshi, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), and
Smt. Gauri Kumar, Director General, NIFT and Smt. Reema Nanavaty
Director of SEWA.
